By Megan Alley
Sun Reporter
The village of New Richmond’s annual River Days Festival is this weekend.
If you’re thinking to yourself that the festival seems to be taking place earlier in the summer this year, that’s because it is.
Whereas the River Days Festival has historically taken place on the third weekend of August, this year it’s happening on the first weekend.
Robert Lees, a member of New Richmond Riverfest, Inc., the committee that organizes the festival, explained the reason for the change.
“For years, we competed with the St. Bernadette Church festival in Amelia, and a lot of our community is tied into that event,” he said. “Moving our festival dates is our way of showing support for what they do at their festival.”
He added, “As far as planning goes, the change seems to be working well.”
While the timing of the festival has changed, most of the fan favorite items have stayed the same.
The festival will be held along Front Street and includes amusement rides and games for kids, merchant booths, gambling, a variety of food vendors, craft beer, live music and a fireworks display.
“This festival has become synonymous with fun and the river. It’s an enjoyable event with something for everyone,” Lees said.
Musical acts will perform at the bandstand at 116 Susanna Way on Aug. 2 and 3 from 6 p.m. to midnight, and on Aug. 4 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
The fireworks display will take place on Aug. 3 at 10 p.m., down by the Ohio River.
New Richmond Riverfest, Inc. is an all-volunteer committee. It’s seven members strong and meets the first Wednesday of every month at 6 p.m. at village hall. The committee began planning for this year’s festival soon after last year’s ended.
“There are a lot of pieces to pull together,” Lees said.
The festival organization is a non-profit, and money raised from the festival goes back into the coffers to support the upcoming year’s event.
In previous years, some of the funds have been used to make improvements around the village, including the Susanna Way bandstand.
The weekend also features the 27th annual Cardboard Boat Regatta, which will be held Aug. 3 from 1-3 p.m. on the Ohio River. Boat registration opens at 10 a.m.
Organizers hope that the number of entries this year exceeds last year’s count of 70 entries.
For more information, visit www.cardboardboatmuseum.com.
Historic New Richmond’s Ross Gowdy House Museum will also be open during the festival, offering visitors a preview of its displays; the museum will be open during regular hours later this year.
Lees encouraged everyone, from near and far, to visit New Richmond for the festival.
“[This festival] is a great opportunity to come and visit our village, and while you’re here, learn about our rich history, and have a great day on the river,” Lees said.
To learn more about the River Days Festival, visit the website for the event.